Good morning, Huntington.

Marshall University President Brad D.

Smith and his wife Alys have donated $50 million to a program to eliminate student debt. The donation will help students manage college costs and support future financial aid improvements—ensuring more help for local college attendees.

Today, meteorologist Dillon Gaudet — trusted for local forecasts — warned that heavy rain may cause flash flooding in Huntington.

The storm is expected to continue this afternoon and residents are urged to stay cautious as water levels could rise.

The Division of Forestry said rainfall this week lowered fire dangers that had started to rise from recent dry conditions, and fire danger levels dropped to low across most counties.

State forester Jeremy Jones said the department is preparing its equipment — leaf blowers, water pumps and fire engines — for the fall fire season starting October 1.

The USDA announced it will stop the annual Household Food Security Reports, and Mountaineer Food Bank said it relies on the survey—vital for guiding food aid to over 200,000 West Virginians facing hunger.

The food bank serves 48 counties and uses the data each year to assess need and plan assistance.

West Virginia’s Attorney General filed a motion asking a judge to pause a Raleigh County case on school vaccination requirements so that a major question—whether the Equal Protection for Religion Act applies to the law—can be certified to the state Supreme Court and guide upcoming decisions across the state.

Huntington hosted an open house Tuesday evening to invite residents to view renderings and comment on a proposed downtown streetscape improvement plan that features enhanced safety, improved accessibility, and increased parking — city officials said the feedback has been productive so far. Further review of the comments will help shape the final plan.

On Tuesday, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals held a session at Marshall University (as part of its Court on Campus program) where justices heard arguments in three cases and held a Q&A session (with about 200 students from Cabell Midland and Huntington High Schools).

Marshall and WVU men's soccer teams returned to the top ten after winning last week—records shown through September 21—and the University of Charleston climbed to sixth place in the Division I rankings.

GW High School junior Kai Martin was named Wendy’s Student Athlete of the Week+ he balances football and basketball while keeping a 3.2 GPA in the classroom.

WVSSAC released its week 4 playoff ratings showing Morgantown as a top team and Fairmont Senior tied with Princeton for the lead in Class AAA while Independence and Cameron head their own groups—these ratings also determine the top 16 teams that will qualify for postseason play with updates issued every Tuesday.

AEW Collision Wrestling Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Marshall Health Network Arena — Tickets required — Experience high-energy wrestling action with All Elite Wrestling's impressive roster.

The Mountain Goats Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Loud — Tickets on sale soon — Experience the inventive and engaging music of The Mountain Goats live on stage.

Funktafest 9: The Funk Awakens

12 PM-11 PM — Ritter Park Amphitheater — Early bird tickets available — Experience two days of live music, arts, and funky vibes under the Appalachian moonlight.

Funktafest Afterparty

10:00 PM — The Loud — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night of funk music and dance in Huntington, WV.

DeeOhGee Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — The Loud — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant rock ’n’ roll energy of Nashville’s DeeOhGee.

Chum Live Performance

8-10:30 p.m. — The Loud — Tickets available — Experience the heavy rock sounds of Huntington's own CHUM.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Foundry Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a spine-tingling candlelight concert featuring Halloween music classics performed by Listeso String Quartet.